|
|
 Check out freelance sites like www.guru.com and work sites like www.odesk.com and www.elance.com where you can register as a freelancer or search a wide variety of areas including design, consulting, writing, administrative support, sales, telemarketing, accounting and finance. Freelancers Union is a national non-profit organization which represents the needs and concerns of today’s independent workforce through advocacy, information and service. Freelancers Union offers health, life, disability and dental insurance, as well as discounts and other resources to freelancers, consultants, temps, part-timers and the self-employed. http://freelancersunion.org/
Getting Paid
More and more freelancers are having difficulty getting paid for their work. It is suggested that prior to accepting a job, you should search consumer complaint files and Websites like www.RipoffReport.com and industry discussion boards to make sure the company does not have a history of late or non-payment.
Make sure to have the terms of your agreement, particularly when and how you are to be paid, spelled out in writing before you start the job. Penalties for late payment must be included in this document to protect yourself. If companies pay in 60, 90 or 120 days they often do not see this as a problem but it is a big time problem for the freelancer.
What to do if your payment is late:
Contact the person responsible for payment by phone. If this does not work send a revised invoice with the agreed upon fees or interest charges included. Your next step is to send a certified letter with the amount that is long overdue and your intention to take it to court.
Filing a complaint in small claims court should be initiated as a last resort. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|